2013 Rip Curl GromSearch Outer Banks

North Carolina’s Outer Banks are essentially a collection of sandbars. Barrier islands, they’re called, meaning that they protect the mainland from that temperamental Atlantic Ocean. She was in a crabby mood last weekend, but that couldn’t stop 84 of America’s finest from showing up on the Banks to take a shot at GromSearch stardom.

Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head was a lovely host. A small storm had whipped up some playful bowls for the kids and boy were they thrilled. While the wind kept on whistling, the rain was kept at bay and the waves stayed punchy all day long. The boys and girls, in their angst, punched it right back — big turns meant big scores. Nic Hdez did the biggest turn of the event and claimed the Boys 16 & Under title. Maddie Peterson kept it on rail to earn the Girls 16 & Under tiara. It was the fourth event of the USA GromSearch series, with the fifth being the National Championships at Upper Trestles come October 26th. It will be a gathering of the greats, if you will, and one would be foolish to miss it. —Brendan Buckley

Who is the best surfer in the Gromsearch? Griffin Colapinto
Would you rather drive a pickup truck or a Prius? Pickup Truck
Who is the best athlete in the world? Jackie Robinson
Why do you like Instagram? Because its a good way to share pictures of the places you travel to
Would you rather eat pizza or a salad? Pizza
What is your favorite non-surfing possession? My basketball shoes
Who is the best surfer to never qualify for the tour? Jamie O’Brien
What is the worst popular song right now? Call Me Maybe
What is your goal in the next five years? My goal is to pursue my surfing career the best I can and have fun doing it
Who is your favorite Gromsearch champ? Kolohe Andino

Girls 16 & Under

Full Name: Madeline Grace Peterson
Age: 15
Hometown: Wildwood Crest, NJ
Sponsors: Under Armour, Spy Optic, On A Mission, Cape May Fitness, Nezzy Surfboards
Who is the best surfer in the Gromsearch? Nic Hdez
Why do you like to surf? I feel as if, once you do it, your hooked. At least that’s what I see in everyone that’s started. It’s not a one-time thing
Would you rather drive a pickup truck or a Prius? Pickup hands down. I almost got run over by a Prius on my bike, I didn’t hear it coming
Who is the best athlete in the world? Bo Jackson. He qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team for track and field, but he pursued football and baseball instead. His time of 4.12 seconds in the 40 is still the fastest ever measured at any NFL combine
Why do you like Instagram? Whoever said I liked it? Haha
Would you rather eat pizza or a salad? Salad
What is your favorite non-surfing possession? My hammock in my backyard is the best thing that’s ever happened to me
Who is the best surfer to never qualify for the tour? Ryan Simmons
What is the worst popular song right now? Get Lucky or Blurred Lines
What is your goal in the next five years? Start to do some juniors, and then hopefully by the time I’m 20 all the hard work will pay off and I’ll hope to be on tour
Who is your favorite Gromsearch champ? Steph Gilmore